The COVID-19 pandemic turned most of our reality virtual. As we became locked down in our homes with restrictions on physical movement and interaction, we turned to our devices for more than just work and entertainment. We kept in touch with loved ones over video calls, shuffled between back-to-back virtual work meetings and enrolled for online fitness or hobby classes. Some of us even attended weddings and other social events virtually for the first time. With no other options on hand, our screens became our window to the world.

A PwC study found that smartphone data usage has increased by 30% more during the pandemic. You can simply look at the screen time statistics on your devices to find out how much time you’ve been spending on digital activities. While compulsion drove the behaviour change during the pandemic, experts caution that if similar digital usage patterns continue, it could have detrimental effects on one’s well-being. Research also indicates a link between the nature of stimuli from digital consumption and addiction.

So, the fading of the pandemic and the gradual return to normal activities is a much-needed opportunity for a digital detox. Like any change, the shift won’t be immediate, but here are three ways the post-pandemic normal will help wean you off excess screen time.

Return to office

Going back to our traditional work environment will single-handedly reduce a significant chunk of our daily screen time. Apart from the essential tasks that need a computer, all other activities will be offline and screen-free again. From meetings to collaborating and chatting with colleagues, you can now do it in person instead of through a screen.

Commute

We can go places again — whether it’s the office, market, park, mall or to meet a friend at a restaurant. The time it takes to get from one place to another means that much more time spent away from the screen. If you drive, it gives you a break from the screen by default. If you don’t drive or take public transport, make a conscious effort to engage in a non-digital activity during your commute.

Offline life

COVID-19 guidelines necessitated many routine offline activities to be conducted digitally, adding extra screen time that wouldn’t have been there otherwise. Students were attending classes online, closed gyms meant following fitness training videos on the screen, groceries were being ordered online, you probably consulted with your doctor virtually and even socializing was a largely online affair. All these activities can go back to being offline and screen-free.

While our modern life makes it challenging to be entirely screen-free, the conditions now make it possible to commit to a digital detox. Some of the screen-free changes — like meeting your friends and colleagues in person — may come into effect by default because you’ll be physically in those places and around those people. Meanwhile, you may have to make conscious efforts for some of the other changes. For instance, remind yourself not to spend too much time on social media or watching TV because other options for leisure and entertainment are now available. So, remember to utilize this time for a digital detox. Stay away from screens wherever possible and rediscover a life that isn’t entirely dependent on digital activities.